Tag: Ibadan explosion

Rescue operations are intensifying their search for survivors at the scene of the explosion that occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday evening, leaving two people dead and 77 others injured.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who visited the scene of the explosion, confirmed the casualties.

He also said the explosion occurred at Adeyi Avenue, Bodija, although it was heard and felt in many parts of the city.

Makinde said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that the blast was caused by illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija.

Read Also: Explosive devices stored by illegal miners caused Ibadan explosion – Makinde

He said: ‘‘Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.”

The governor also disclosed that he directed that the medical bills of all victims of the explosion be covered by the government with temporary accommodation provided for those whose houses were affected by the explosion.

Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has hinted that illegal miners operating in the state were responsible for Tuesday night’s explosion in Ibadan.

The Nation reports many persons were hospitalised following the explosion that affected a section of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, the residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, some buildings at Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango and Eleyele.

The Governor said preliminary investigation revealed that the illegal miners had stored explosive devices in one of the houses which caused the explosion.

In a statement after visiting the site and other hospitals where the injured are receiving treatment, the Governor also confirmed that two people have died while 77 were injured and being treated in public and private hospitals around.

Makinde said: “Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.”

The Governor also promised that the state government would offset the hospital Bills of those that were injured and also directed all Hotels to accommodate those who have been displaced as a result of the blast.

His statement read: “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan. This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties.

Read Also; Makinde seeks Assembly’s approval to access N150b loan

“We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.

“Earth moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan.

“Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident. In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.”

The Governor urged all residents to “please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.

“We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured. Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations,” he added.

Many were feared dead in a late evening explosion that brought down houses on Dejo Oyelese Street, Off Adeyi Street in Old Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, yesterday.

The explosion, said to have occurred around 7:44pm, shattered the roofs, ceilings and windows of several houses.

The cause of the explosion was yet-to-be ascertained.

The injured were said to have been rushed to hospitals, with first responders battling to evacuate those feared trapped under the rubble as at press time last night.

Sources said the explosion started from a duplex and affected seven other buildings, including a nearby hostel.

Its impact completely collapsed four of the buildings while the other four were said to have been badly damaged.

Five cars were also damaged completely.

Rescuers, including security personnel, Fire Service officials were at the scene.

Read Also; Why I didn’t sack Emefiele, Buhari explains in Adesina’s memoir

The Oyo State government confirmed the incident on its official X handle, urging residents to stay calm.

It assured that security agencies were investigating the cause of the explosion.

“The Oyo State Government is aware of reports of an explosion in Ibadan. Residents are urged to remain calm as security agencies are investigating this to determine the source and cause of the incident,” it said.

Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on Security, Mr.  Fatai Owoseni, a retired Commissioner of Police, who was at the scene, said the state government had directed that the victims be taken to every available hospital with the assurance to foot the bills.

Owoseni said that arrangements had been made for construction companies to erect lighting equipment, adding that a crane would also be moved to the scene to ease rescue efforts.

Confirming the incident in a statement, spokesman for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, said: “The cause of the explosion is unknown, and no casualty could be confirmed as the search continues.

“The Commissioner of Police Oyo State Command, in the company of some senior officers and other responders, is on the ground for on the spot assessment and rescue operation.

“The Oyo State Police Command has also deployed armed and plain clothed officers to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

“Updates are coming up soon.”

Also in a statement, Information and Orientation Commissioner Dotun Oyelade, said:”Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8pm this evening.

“There are various interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and in full control of the unfortunate occurrence in order to mitigate the incident.

“All security service chiefs including para military chiefs and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the governor to reign in the spillover from the explosion.

“Governor Seyi Makinde, therefore implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”

There was confusion on Tuesday night after a very loud explosion was heard in the city of Ibadan, Oyo state.

It was gathered that several houses were shaken by the explosion, which caused damage at multiple locations, according to X users.

Read Also; Abuja radio presenter dies after fatal truck accident

The incident reportedly happened around past 7:00 p.m.

Although some X user confirmed that it was a gas explosion, our reporter was unable to ascertain the cause of the explosion and number of casualties at the time of filing this report.

Video emanating from X, show windows of houses blown out at multiple locations, including at homes, and part of the ceiling collapsed at Ace Mall, Bodija.

Details shortly…